Yoga for Pain Control

I love yoga and have been practicing for more than 12 years. Yoga has so many benefits including strengthening, flexibility, pain reduction and relaxation. In yoga, we practice something called diaphragmatic breathing which can be practiced by everyone. This type of breathing can really help to reduce pain, whether it’s chronic, acute or post-surgical pain.

Diaphragmatic breathing activates the parasympathetic system which is our relaxation response system. It can help keep you calm and alleviate the anxious, heightened state that comes from pain. Once you can level off the nervous system, it not only reduces your pain but creates a friendlier environment for healing.

You can try this breathing anywhere but it’s important to be in a quiet environment and in a comfortable position.

Here are some tips to breath properly for relaxation and pain reduction:

Get in a comfortable position --either sitting or lying on your back are good options.